Chicken Dinners Get a Makeover

Overview

Thanks to its widespread availability and economical cost, chicken is easily one of the most popular weeknight family meals. That said, it's easy to get into a chicken rut. Instead of serving that same old chicken recipe for the fourth time this month, spread your wings and spice things up a little bit -- perhaps even literally. For example, you can transform your chicken leftovers into a scrumptious chicken salad sandwiches or experiment with flavors by introducing new spices into your baking repertoire.

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Chicken Enchiladas

If you're an avid admirer -- and consumer -- of Mexican cuisine, consider adding an easy chicken enchilada dish to your list of go-to recipes. Simply combine your favorite cheeses with chicken, sour cream, cooked onions, chiles and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the mixture into tortillas, roll and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Cover with enchilada sauce and cheese and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Roasted Chicken With Veggies

Kill two birds with one stone by baking chicken on a bed of vegetables. This will give you a healthy veggie side dish and a delicious protein. "Sturdy vegetables work best for this," advised chef Clara Silverstein, author of "A White House Garden Cookbook." "Spray a roasting pan with non-stick spray, spread a layer of sliced onions in the bottom, then add whatever else you have in your vegetable drawer." Top with herbs, place chicken on top, drizzle with olive oil and then bake at 375 until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is done.

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Chicken Pot Pie

A chicken pot pie from the frozen aisle is certainly an easy fix, but it doesn't offer that same homestyle goodness that a from-scratch version does. To dress up your chicken without resorting to packaged foods, throw together an easy chicken pot pie. Add whatever veggies and spices you prefer to cooked, cut-up chicken. Peas, carrots and mushrooms pair well with chicken.

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Chicken With Pasta and Veggies

Whether grilled, roasted or baked, chicken atop a bed of pasta and veggies is a healthy and filling meal that'll satisfy an entire household of taste buds. Leftover chicken makes this meal especially easy to throw together, but you can also start from scratch. Personalize it by adding your favorite type of pasta -- try bow tie, penne or even fettuccine -- and then saute in-season vegetables before tossing everything together.

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Chicken and Dumplings

This classic chicken favorite is just as easy to make as it is pleasing to devour. To truly impress your family, make dumplings from scratch. Mix flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl, per your recipe. Add hot chicken broth and mix until dough forms. Roll out, cut into small strips and then cook the dumplings in a broth with chicken.

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Chinese-Style Chicken

Add a little cultural flair to your dinner table by combining leftover chicken with noodles and peanut sauce, suggested Silverstein. "Place one clove of minced garlic in 2 Tbsp. of water and heat in the microwave," she said. To seal this tasty deal, add peanut butter, soy sauce and hot sauce to taste. Devour either hot or cold.

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Chicken Salad

If you have leftover chicken from last night's dinner, a savory chicken salad is only moments away from being a great meal. Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes or strips and combine with mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. For a little extra oomph, add halved grapes and crushed walnuts or slivered almonds. Eat your chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or make it into a sandwich.